RALEIGH, N.C. — Local Raleigh nonprofit, Designed For Joy, is excited to settle into a new home in the up-and-coming Gateway Plaza this September. The move comes as DFJ expands their mission to serve more women coming out of vulnerable situations. Blessed to have outgrown their previous footprint, this larger space will allow the nonprofit to meet the growing need in the community.
The new location will include a separate retail shop, a defined production area for the artisans and an office space for meetings and collaboration. Recently, DFJ has been privileged to establish partnerships with other area nonprofits working to support local women. Working partnerships with organizations such as Women’s Center of Wake County, Salvation Army Project FIGHT and Shield NC have allowed DFJ to expand their impact as well as have the supplies to do so in a sustainable way.
“We’ve enjoyed our charming studio in Boylan Heights very much, however, Gateway Plaza will provide the larger studio space we need for this new phase of growth. To be neighbors with HQ Raleigh is very exciting and we’ll welcome the increased foot traffic. The location also helps our artisans because many are currently living with, or coming from, The Salvation Army of Wake County Family Emergency Shelter,” said founder of DFJ Cary Heise.
The opening of the new Designed For Joy studio will be in September at 2409-117 Crabtree Blvd Raleigh, NC 27604. This growing ministry is excited to welcome in a growing community with open arms and open doors.
Designed For Joy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Raleigh N.C. that provides transitional work experience for women coming from trafficking, homelessness, time in prison, overcoming addiction or other vulnerable situations. DFJ is providing living wage work hours, building confidence and refreshing resumes to launch equipped women into the marketplace. To date, DFJ has hired 28 artisans, paid 2,900 living wage hours, taught 170 skills workshops and provided 410 meals. Inspired to expand their mission, DFJ also fosters partnerships with anti-trafficking organizations to help fight human trafficking at home and across the south.
For more information on DFJ’s expansion, work or partnerships, please feel free to contact Alan Buck at alan@designedforjoy.com or call (919) 278-7258. Read more on our blog: Designed For Joy is Moving to Gateway Plaza in Raleigh